Onsite Advanced Cardiac Testing

What to Know About Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics

Your doctor has recommended advanced cardiac diagnostics—what’s next? The terminology itself sounds intimidating, and the idea of same-day heart testing can be nerve-wracking. But when you know a little about this type of testing, you’ll realize you don’t have to worry. Cardiac testing is a vital tool that allows physicians to see exactly how your heart is functioning without invasive surgery. Let’s take a closer look at advanced cardiac diagnostics and what you can expect at your appointment at any of our three New Hampshire locations.

Common Types of Same-Day Heart Testing

Cardiovascular specialists use a range of tests to check for specific issues concerning the heart. Here are some of the most common you might encounter:

• Echocardiograms—Think of an echocardiogram as an ultrasound for your heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, allowing your doctor to see the size, shape, and movement of the heart muscle.
• Electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG)—Every heartbeat is triggered by an electrical impulse. An ECG measures this electrical activity to tell your doctor about the timing of the heartbeats and the strength of the heart muscle.
• Stress Tests—Sometimes, a heart problem only reveals itself when the heart is working hard. A cardiac stress test monitors your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.

The Benefits of Onsite Cardiology Testing

Historically, advanced testing required a separate trip to a hospital or a specialized imaging center. Today, we are able to offer these services in-house. Take a look at some of the benefits of onsite cardiology testing here at Cardiovascular Specialists of New England:

• Convenience and Comfort—Visiting a hospital can be stressful and time-consuming. Onsite testing allows you to undergo cardiac imaging services in a familiar environment with staff you already know.
• Faster Results and Communication—When tests are done externally, there is often a lag between the procedure and your doctor receiving the results. With onsite testing, your cardiologist usually has immediate access to the data.
• Coordinated Care—Onsite testing ensures that the testing protocols are exactly what your specific doctor ordered. There is less risk of miscommunication between facilities, and you can be sure the test focuses on the specific clinical questions your doctor needs answered.

How Modern Technology Comes Into Play

Rapid cardiac diagnostics haven’t been the norm for very long. In fact, it’s only recently that diagnostic equipment has become smaller, faster, and more precise. For example, ambulatory rhythm monitoring (like Holter monitors) allows doctors to study your heart rhythm over a prolonged period while you go about your daily life. This helps capture intermittent issues that a 10-minute office visit would miss.

Helping You Monitor Your Heart Health

Advanced cardiac testing is not something to worry about. Rather, this modern approach to heart health helps alleviate your worries and find the right treatment for you. At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, we’re dedicated to helping New Hampshire patients better understand their heart health and take steps to improve it. Ready to learn more about your heart health status? Contact us to schedule an appointment.